Word Origin & History

engross c.1300, from O.Fr. en gros "in bulk, in a large quantity, at wholesale," as opposed to en detail. Figurative sense of "absorb the whole attention" is first attested 1709. A parallel engross, meaning "to write (something) in large letters," is from Anglo-Fr. engrosser, from O.Fr. en gros "in large (letters)." Related: Engrossed; engrossing.

Example Sentences for engross

In the fall of the next year, she found that once again she had something to engross her outside Ansdore.

He had matters on hand of greater moment to engross his attention.

The tendency to engross the lowlands for large plantations was clear, here as elsewhere.

Never, therefore, engross the whole conversation to yourself.

She's studying how to entertain these strangers, And to engross them to herself.

The novelty of the whole scene appeared for an instant to engross her attention.

Happy is it for us, that but one place, and one set of circumstances, can engross our minds.

Is it not rather for them a conspiracy to engross its advantages for the favoured few?

But when Sir Robert was employed at cards, all scruples ceasing, he neglected not to engross her almost wholly.

Not that he took little interest in it, but it had no power to absorb and engross him.